The Pastry Show: A Celebration of Art and Tradition at Rome's Historic Dagnino Patisserie
A historic chapter in Rome’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene is about to close, as the famed Pasticceria Dagnino bids farewell to its iconic location in the Galleria Esedra. Established in 1954, Dagnino has long been a symbol of Sicilian tradition and craftsmanship, known for its decadent sweets and its unique blend of art and pastry. Yet, with its lease expiring at the end of 2025 and the Galleria itself in dire need of structural renovations, this beloved institution is forced to relocate, sparking a wave of nostalgia and concern among its patrons.
To commemorate this bittersweet farewell, Dagnino is hosting The Pastry Show , a contemporary art exhibition that will take over the entire space of the patisserie from November 18 to 23. Curated by Pier Paolo Pancotto, the event will be a fusion of art, history, and pastry, offering a unique opportunity to experience a cultural happening within a historic establishment.
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The Pasticceria Dagnino’s connection to art dates back decades, with a long tradition of integrating art into its interior design. In the 1950s, the founders engaged artists like Alfonso Amorelli and Giovanni Maria Manganelli to decorate the space, with intricate painted mirrors and wooden sculptures depicting traditional Sicilian women. Even the café’s abstract panels by Herta Schaeffer, a key artistic feature, have been part of Dagnino’s signature aesthetic. Over the years, Dagnino continued to embrace contemporary art, notably through the Sottovetro exhibition series from 2003 to 2007, transforming its storefront windows into a space for emerging artists.
Now, in its final days at this historic location, The Pastry Show will showcase works by more than 30 contemporary artists, some of whom have designed site-specific pieces inspired by the patisserie’s distinctive charm. Visitors will experience a wide range of artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to videos and sound works, as well as installations that directly engage with the patisserie’s environment. Some artists will even incorporate the patisserie’s own signature pastries into their works, making the event an interactive celebration of both culinary and visual art.
The exhibition will be a playful yet serious gathering, much like an art happening, designed to celebrate the special connection between the artists, the space, and the legacy of Dagnino. As Pancotto explained, the goal of the show is not to present a generational exhibition but to create a sense of shared creativity and affection. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the spaces with a “treasure map,” guiding them through the various installations scattered throughout the patisserie and its outdoor terrace in the Galleria.
This final artistic tribute to Pasticceria Dagnino is more than just a farewell; it is a statement about the enduring value of tradition, memory, and culture in a rapidly changing city. As Dagnino prepares to move to a new location, the legacy of its art-filled, pastry-laden past will not be forgotten. The Pastry Show invites everyone to come celebrate this unique cultural landmark before it closes its doors for the last time at its historic home.
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